Seine in question again ahead of mixed relay triathlon

Uncertainty surrounds the next Olympic triathlon event in Paris because of renewed concerns regarding water quality in the Seine.

The mixed relay is due to take place on Monday morning but could be pushed back after heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday again caused levels of bacteria in the water to rise.

The men’s race was changed from Tuesday to Wednesday, the same day as the women’s competition, earlier this week, with athletes unable to swim in the river until the day of the race.

Following a meeting on Saturday evening, a statement was issued by organizers on Sunday morning, which read: “(The) decision has been made to cancel the swim leg of the triathlon familiarisation, which was due to be held on August 4 at 8am.

“Given the heavy rain over the nights of July 31 and August 1, which had been particularly intense upstream of Paris, we still see impact on the water quality in our venue.

“We are expecting an improvement on the conditions in the next hours, but not to a level to which the swim familiarization planned for (Sunday) can take place.”

Great Britain won gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed relay in Tokyo and will be among the favorites to secure another medal.